The city of shining skyscrapers, Tampa in Florida, is perfect for an outdoor holiday

I BARELY notice the dorsal fins beside me, glinting in the Florida sunshine, as I paddleboard along Hillsborough River.

"Dolphins" cries instructor Mike, pointing his paddle.

I freeze, wide-eyed, as three cut through the water right next to my board. We paddle closer to watch them play — flashes of silver beneath the surface, before they disappear back downriver to Tampa Bay.

And all this at the heart of Tampa, city of shiny skyscrapers on Florida's Gulf Coast.

For years, it has been overlooked by Brit tourists to the Sunshine State, who prefer the theme parks of Orlando or pristine beaches of Miami.

No more. Tampa is gaining a reputation for its outdoor lifestyle, historic and cultural offerings and impressive food.